According to police, the incident took place in a building near Vadhe on the outskirts of Satara city, where the victim resides.

“The woman lives alone and taking advantage of that Rushikant entered her house and raped her. The woman lodged a complaint with the police late Sunday night,” they said.

Rushikant was produced before a local court, which remanded him in police custody till February 21. Further investigation into the case is on.

Meanwhile, when asked about the incident, Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil told reporters in Mumbai today, “We are probing the matter impartially. Had there been pressure on police, the case would not have been filed.”

After some delay, Congress and NCP decided to continue with 26:22 formula (26 for Congress and 22 for NCP) for the 48 seats in Maharashtra.

NCP has already said that it will not part with Kolhapur seat, and has decided to field Dhananjay Mahadik.

The sitting MP, Sadashiv Mandlik, had contested as an independent after being denied ticket by NCP in 2009, and has since joined Congress.

Sources said Congress was not demanding Hingoli for Indian Youth Congress chief Rajiv Satav, as he had decided not to contest.